Red Kettle time

Barton County Salvation Army kicks off Christmas campaign

The Salvation Army in Barton County opens its annual Christmas Red Kettle Campaign Thursday and Great Bend Salvation Army Store Manager Jane Berg said the goal locally is $39,000.

With the theme this year being "Hope Wanted," the campaign runs through Christmas Eve. The program raises money for the poor, homeless, and others in need who often remain overlooked during the holidays and all year long.

Berg said the money raised will help sustain the programs and services that help the needy. "The economy has again made it a rough year for many families, and we’ve seen it firsthand in the numbers of people coming to us for help."

It is especially hard during the holiday season, she said, when so many of our neighbors don’t know how they’ll have the means to provide for their families. "That’s why the Salvation Army looks to our community for their generosity: so we can show that same compassion and kindness to the less fortunate."

This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest yet. Salvation Army officials stress that any contribution will help – and donations of time are accepted as gratefully as donations of money. "Reaching out to those in need by volunteering to ring bells or serve warm meals is a wonderful way to connect with the community, to give back, and to share blessings and holiday joy," said Berg.

Anyone wishing to donate by credit card may call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks may be mailed to the Salvation Army, attention Berg, 2545 10th St. Great Bend, Ks, 67530. For more information, call 1-800-336-4547, dial "0" and ask for Mary Scott.